(Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

SHOWCASE

Duguay, Somers shine on first day of games at SJHL/MJHL Showcase

Feb 1, 2023 | 9:52 AM

It was an excellent first day for the Melfort Mustangs representing the SJHL at the SJHL/MJHL Showcase on Tuesday.

In the early game, Team Gold walked away with a 4-1 win over Team Red of the MJHL.

The seven Melfort Mustangs wearing that jersey were relied upon heavily in all situations, with a number of times seeing all five positions covered by Mustangs.

Dawson Leroux hit the crossbar on a breakaway and Ben Tkachuk had a high-danger chance as well, but neither was able to score. Although, both did earn assists on what was ultimately the game-winning goal as Ryan Duguay ripped one top shelf to make it 2-1 just over halfway through the third.

Duguay said it was an exciting goal to score.

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“I was kind of shocked, but it felt really good,” he said.

The 19-year-old is currently on his fourth Junior A team and said it’s special to be at the event.

“Never really been a top guy in Junior yet,” he said. “The opportunity to be here is such an honour, and I’m super excited to take advantage of it.”

Defencemen Hayden Tuba, Kevin Minnoch, Leyton Holoien, and Leith Olafson were relied upon for Team Gold who will take on Team Black on Wednesday morning.

Later in the day, it was the young gun’s turn to show their stuff as Team Blue, consisting of players born in 2004 or later, took to the ice.

Mustangs forwards Zac Somers and Riley Ashe were key cogs in their win over Team White as Somers scored in the game, and Ashe didn’t seem phased when he was thrown onto the ice in all situations.

Somers scored in the second period on a tip-in to put Team Blue up 2-1. He said it’s a cool experience to play with guys that you are normally battling with most nights.

“Coming from all over the league, looking across at those guys on a different bench most nights,” Somers said. “So, it’s cool to team up with them and try and come out of here 2-0.”

Team Blue ultimately walked away with the victory by a 5-4 score and will take on Team White again on Wednesday evening to close out the event.

James Venne was the backup for Team Blue on Tuesday and will get the start for Wednesday’s tilt.

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matbarrett@melfortmustangs.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6